The Shelterbag was established in Cape Town, and now, thanks to Doorway to Dignity, the bags will now be distributed in Gauteng too.
Randburg, South Africa (01 October 2021) – This World Homeless Day, the 10th of October, Gauteng’s most vulnerable will have been introduced to the Shelterbag for the first time. Doorway to Dignity is hosting a “Pots of Hope” event on the 9th of October.
Doorway to Dignity is a non-profit organisation that was established in November 2016. Their goal is to engage with homeless, displaced and vulnerable people to restore their dignity and renew their hope.
Pots of Hope was created by Doorway to Dignity in 2016 and has since become an annual event in which homeless and destitute people are treated to a dignified and enjoyable restaurant-style experience. It allows individuals and organisations to show love and compassion for people who struggle daily to survive, either by cooking or serving at the event.
Due to Covid-19, this year’s event will be different. They are hosting a potjie competition. The food made will be shared with people from all walks of life.
“We have identified beneficiaries amongst shelters, homes, families and feeding schemes within our network to distribute the cooked meals to this year. So far, we have 39 pots confirmed and are hoping to serve around 600 hot meals on the day. Each portion will contain a serving of a potjiekos and cooked rice, pap or couscous.”
One of the highlights of the event will be the introduction of the Shelterbag in Gauteng. A short while ago, Sheltersuit South Africa asked for NPO’s to reach out and Doorway to Dignity did so. They were proudly selected to distribute the bags to people and other organisations in the province.
What is the Shelterbag?
Bas Timmer developed the Sheltersuit in the Netherlands, Europe, to answer the influx of refugees who were left homeless in a foreign place. The suit offered protection from cold weather that many refugees, coming from warmer climates, had never experienced before.
The original Sheltersuit has been adapted into the Shelterbag, made in South Africa and specifically adapted to warmer climates. It provides protection from the wind and rain. It is compact, lightweight, and allows for unsheltered people to easily transport it with them wherever they go as a daily-use bag, so their goods are protected and in one place.
Sheltersuit South Africa is based in Cape Town. They employ ten women from the community to make the bags—making it a product that aids homeless, vulnerable people in South Africa and provides an income to ten families.
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Cape Town's Working Doggos Shine in City's First-Ever K9 CompetitionThe Shelterbag, which costs R750, is a portable, sheltered bed that rolls up into a bag. It is waterproof, lightweight, easy to handle and has an extra compartment for some personal items.
It comes with a sleeping bag and a built-in pillow and has room for an extra mattress or blanket, making it adaptable for all seasons.
Shelterbag in Gauteng.
The Shelterbag will now be more accessible with Doorway to Dignity teaming up to make sure it can be distributed in Gauteng too.
They aim to raise enough to distribute the first 200 bags in honour of World Homeless Day. Thereafter, they will be the point of contact for the bags in Gauteng.
“Our goal isn’t to just give these out. We want to start relationships with people, find out about the circumstances that brought them to where they are and walk alongside them on their path of returning dignity and hope back into their lives.” – Doorway to Dignity
The organisation has set up a crowdfund on BackaBuddy to raise funds needed for the first 200 bags. These bags will be handed out over throughout October as the funds are raised. You can donate via BackaBuddy here.
“By investing in this project, you will be helping homeless and needy people to rise above their circumstances. Every cent makes a difference – please help us by donating, organising collection drives, and creating awareness to reach as many people as possible.
You can get your company involved and make this campaign a part of your CSI initiative. We can provide Section 18A certificates for donations and an option to add your branding on the Shelterbags you sponsor.”
For more information, you can reach out to Trevor via email here or on Facebook here. Stay tuned for more; we will share more when the first people get their very own bags.
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